Karnataka: Kodagu tourist spots finally open to visitors

MADIKERI: In encouraging signs for the Kodagu tourism industry, which has suffered disruptions because of the Covid-19 crisis, the district administration has given the green signal to gradually restart activities in the district.
Kodagu district tourism deputy director Raghavendra said tourist hotspots like Raja’s Seat (garden) in Madikeri, Abbi Falls near Madikeri and Cauvery Nisargadhama in Kushalnagar have been reopened to the public with the home ministry’s Standard Operating Procedure being strictly followed.Accordingly, the dos and don’ts on thermal scanning, sanitisation, social distanceing and preventing large gatherings are being ensured.
Other important tourist places like Mandalpatti landscape spot near Madikeri and Dubare elephant camp will reopen on September 15, while the Mallalli Falls near Somwarpet will reopen on Sunday, Raghavendra said.
The movement of people was visible in Madikeri and other tourist spots over the weekend, much to the delight of locals and vendors who are seeing the revival of tourism after almost six months.
Ambekal Naveen, general secretary, Kodagu District Chamber of Commerce and joint secretary, District Homestays Association, said there’s been a 10% tourist turnout in the district. “This is the right season before the commencement of the Dasara season, when the turnout is high if the Nada Habba is celebrated like in previous years. However, this year, the number of tourists staying in lodges may not be high. Tourists from nearby places prefer to visit the district for a day and return,” he explained.